Central United Church, Celebrating 150 Years by Peri Hayes Scott Doupe and Rick Jackson discuss the upcoming 150th celebration of Central United Church, ‘a caring community for all people’. Both born and raised in St. Thomas, Scott and Rick have been proud members of Central United Church their whole lives. They have each worn and continue to wear various hats on their Council. Built in 1897, Sidney Badgley designed the church’s architecture with its esteemed acoustics -- as he did with Massey Hall in Toronto. The sanctuary features remarkable stained glass windows, as well as their railing which was grandfathered into the space. The ‘Railway Window’ in particular, which extends from the lower sanctuary into the balcony, was notably designed and donated by those on the Railway who formed the initial congregation of the church. Moreover, this cherished piece of art incorporates a railway lantern and a locomotive. Central United Church is an active venue, with over 100 groups in the building per month and providing space to: AA groups, Big Brothers Big Sisters, dog training, Girl Guides and Sparks, karate and piano lessons, Our Place Respite, VON’s SMART Exercise, their new chess group and more. Central United Church previously provided shelter for Inn out of the Cold St. Thomas-Elgin, with their Shamrock Shuffle continuing to be held in this facility. Furthermore, their three-story building is wheelchair accessible. While utilizing the premises and expanding their community outreach, Central United Church strives to become a community hub. Scott and Rick express
their gratitude for the meaningful relationships they have forged and for the ongoing support which they receive -- specifically, contributions toward last month’s Oktoberfest Kidz Karnival, during which 35 games were enjoyed both inside and outside.
Page 32 Hometown St. Thomas • October 2024
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